Share this Page

Beckford relishing Wembley chance

Date published: Monday 24th August 2015 1:18

But the 31-year-old striker, on loan at Deepdale and released by Bolton earlier this month, has refused to discuss his own future until after Sunday’s Wembley showdown with Swindon.
Beckford struck one of the goals of the season in the second leg of Preston’s semi-final against Chesterfield a fortnight ago when they cruised to a 4-0 aggregate win.
The club will now attempt to win promotion for the first time via the play-offs at the 10th attempt, having lost in six previous semi-finals and three finals.
It is the worst play-off record in the Football League.
“That’s what we’re hoping for. It’s a massive occasion,” Beckford told Press Association Sport.
“We’re all up for it and we’re all looking forward to it. We can’t wait.”
Beckford, who has scored 15 goals in 30 appearances for Preston since arriving in late November, was less forthcoming when asked what lay ahead for him.
“We’re off Tuesday and we’re in on Wednesday and we’re off on Thursday and then we’re in on Friday and we’re in on Saturday and then we’ve got a big game on Sunday,” he said with a grin.
When pressed if he would commit himself to the club next week, Beckford added: “One day at a time.”
Preston boss Simon Grayson, reunited with Beckford after the pair worked together at Huddersfield and Leeds, appears to get the best out of the maverick forward.
Grayson said Beckford had to “feel loved” after watching him fire home from 45 yards against Chesterfield before sealing the club’s first trip to Wembley since 1994 with a second goal.
“As a manager you’ve got to know what works for each player,” Beckford said.
“Obviously every player is different and he seems to know exactly what it is that I need. I’m so thankful for that.”
Beckford feels Grayson’s promotion-winning experience – he has led Blackpool, Leeds and Huddersfield out of League One – gives Preston an advantage on Sunday.
“It definitely does,” said the striker. “But it’s more the faith he shows in the players that tends to get him out of League One.
“He doesn’t have a go. When things aren’t going right we find out about it, but he lets us express ourselves.
“That’s when you get the best out of players.”